10/2 Lance Armstrong Collection
‘One day. Everyone has one. The day that changes their life. For Lance Armstrong that one-day was October 2, 1996, the day he was diagnosed with cancer. As he explains it, “the day I was diagnosed with cancer was the day I started to live.”’
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The collection consists of casual wear – t-shirts, hoodies and hats – but the performance wear is what we’re interested in. Shorts, jersey, wind vest and socks have all the technical features you’d expect. But it’s the unique styling that makes a statement, acknowledging the pivotal role the day he was diagnosed would have on his life and career. It’s a celebration of his incredible life, and the Lance Armstrong Foundation will receive $1 dollar for each 10/2 product sold (we can’t help but feel that it should be more).
Performance Jersey
Available as sleeveless, short sleeves or long sleeves, Nike Dri-FIT material is employed. Around the arms and at the back of the neck mesh inserts improve breath-ability, with an 18” concealed zip on the front. The left arm sleeve has a yellow ribbon, and subtle grey on black graphics look sharp.
Performance Shorts
Like the jerseys, the left leg of these bib shorts feature the yellow ribbon. 190-gram nylon spandex is used throughout in a U-panel construction. Lyrca spandex straps with mesh inserts aid comfort.
Performance Vest
For when the temperature drops or the wind picks up you want a sleeveless windproof vest. The performance vest is also waterproof, while around the back a mesh panel keeps your body temperature under control. A full front zip, an extra high collar and the obligatory yellow band on the left leg completes the package.
Swift Spin
Swift Spin is the name given to the range of clothing that the Discovery team will be using. The jersey, shorts and bib shorts are backed up by claims by the manufacturer stating massive reductions in wind resistance. Much of the drag comes from the rider, over two thirds, so Nike have been busy in the University of Washington’s wind tunnel and have tweaked the clothing to cut drag. Apparently their clothing can save a rider 108 seconds on a 55k race!
To achieve this the design of the jersey panels have been carefully positioned to persuade the airflow to go in a certain direction. A long panel of meshing runs from the back of the arms, diagonally across the middle of the back and finally down towards the bum, which also regulates body temperature. The seams have been an area of focus too; they’ve been carefully hidden to remove them from causing any extra drag.
The bib shorts use a new No-Sew technology for the straps, and being a porous material prevents heat from building up and reducing comfort. To reduce chaffing the straps have been moved from the centre of the body. Again the shorts have been tested in the wind tunnel to reduce drag, and the No-Sew technique has been used for the cuffs. They’ve made the shorts slightly longer, supposedly to increase aerodynamics.
In essence then, the Nike clothing is like wearing a super slippery second skin.
More info:
– www.nike.com
